Norway international believes Gabriel was fortunate to avoid a red card after his head motion late in the game
Erling Haaland says his constant duels with defenders in Premier League games leaves visible marks on his body and he joked that his wife is unhappy with them.
The Manchester City striker was involved in several physical duels with Gabriel Magalhaes during his side’s 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, with one incident leaving his undershirt torn.
Haaland said: “I think my shirt got a bit pulled! I didn’t get the foul, this is the Premier League nowadays. It’s wrestling here and there. A lot of duels. A lot of scratches. Sometimes my missus is not so happy about this, it looks a bit wrong! But that’s the reality.”
City manager Pep Guardiola has previously called for referees to take a stronger stance on grappling involving the striker, though Haaland suggested he does not expect any change in how he is officiated.
The Norway international also believed Gabriel was fortunate to avoid a red card after his head motion towards the striker late in the second half.
“I think that is a red card, most of you agree with me on this,” Haaland said. “If I go down, it’s a red card.
“I would never do this. My father taught me this – stay on your feet and don’t be a… I won’t say the word, but it starts with P. That’s the reality. Maybe yes I should have gone down, maybe it would be easier, but I didn’t and I got a yellow card for it.”
